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Third period Reading strategies: Understanding scientific terms When reading articles about science, we often come across difficult sc ientific terms. We have to work out their meaning in order to understand the text as a whole. Begin by reading the first and last paragraphs for an idea of what the article is about. Then, scan the body of the article. Circle any words you do not know. Question things you do not understand or that do not appear to make sense. Finally, read through the article a few times. You will often be amazed to discover that what confused you at first makes sense upon further readings. 20XX 年江西卷 D 篇 Why should mankind explore space? Why should money, time and effort be spent exploring and researching something with so few apparent benefits? Why should resources be s pent on space rather than on conditions and people on Earth? These are questions that, understandably, are very often asked. Perhaps the best answer lies in our genetic makeup(基因构成) as human beings. What drove our ancestors to move from the trees into the plains, and on into all possible areas and environments? The wider the spread of a species, the better its chance of survival. Perhaps the best reason for exploring space is this genetic tendency to expand wherever possible. Nearly every successful civilization has explored, because by doing so, any dangers in surrounding areas can be identified and prepared for. Without knowledge, we may be completely destroyed by the danger. With knowledge, we can lessen its effects. Exploration also allows minerals and other potential ( 潜 在 的 ) resources to be found. Even if we have no immediate need of them, they will perhaps be useful later. Resources may be more than physical possessions. Knowledge or techniques have been acquired through exploration. The techniques may have medical applications which can improve the length or quality of our lives. We have already benefited from other spin-offs including improvements in earthquake prediction, in satellites for weather forecasting and in communications systems. Even non-stick pans and mirrored sunglasses are by-products ( 副产品 ) of technological developments in the space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist. While many resources are spent on what seems a sm all return, the exploration of space allows creative, brave and intelligent members of our species to focus on what may serve to save us. While space may hold many wonders and explanations of how the universe was formed or how it works, it also holds dangers. The danger exists, but knowledge can help human being to survive. Without the ability to reach out across space, the chance to save ourselves might not exist. While Earth is the only planet known to support life, surely the
